Online Program

336422
Case of reintegration of women post incarceration


Sunday, November 1, 2015

Deana Raley Noble, PhD, MPH, RN, School of Nursing, Point Loma Nazarene University, Encinitas, CA
Women released from prison or jail face particular obstacles and challenges on reentry to the community, many of which are related to their childhood and to gender roles as women and mothers. This study relates the lived experience of one woman’s successful transition to economic and mainstream societal reintegration and family reconnection after release from prison and the insights gained by the researcher. Case study methodology congruent with Miller’s Relational-Cultural Theory philosophical framework was utilized in this in-depth, single case design and represents a unique case. The overall purpose of this descriptive and explanatory research was to explore precursors to criminality particular to women and the connective constructs enabling cognitive, psychological, and behavioral lifestyle change.

This qualitative study was a step in understanding how a formerly incarcerated woman successfully overcame obstacles to reconnection, employment, and reintegration into society, leading to the discovery of a structure comprising four major themes, nine minor themes, and three sub themes. Factors influencing the journey to jail were represented as clarity of  lifestyle consequences to self and others; factors initiating a turning point related to the participant’s dramatic life changing spiritual experience and resulting dynamic motivation; factors affecting reentry into the community were associated with increased understanding of self and others, increased confidence and self-esteem, attending college and obtaining employment; and factors supporting and maintaining successful reintegration were exampled by relational reconnection, mentoring opportunities, and community involvement.

Learning Areas:

Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Describe obstacles and facilitators to reentry for formerly incarcerated women. Discuss relational reconnection/disconnection for children of formerly incarcerated women. Assess Department of Justice Corrections changes and early reentry on community services and resources availability and access.

Keyword(s): Drug Abuse, Marginalization

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the primary researcher exploring precursors to criminality particular to women and the connective constructs enabling cognitive, psychological and behavioral lifestyle change that affects their community and the public's health. Among my scientific interests has been the provision of lived experience context for health care providers surrounding precursors to detention such as, child/adult abuse, drug abuse, associated physical and mental health disorders and conditions, support systems and reentry obstacles and facilitators to reintegration.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.